Description

The Pegasus vectored-thrust turbofan is a two shaft design featuring three low pressure (LP) and eight high pressure (HP) compressor stages driven by two LP and two HP turbine stages respectively. The combustor is annular and features vaporisers. The latest variant, the 11-61, is controlled by a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system. The engine employs a simple thrust vectoring system that uses four swivelling nozzles, giving the Harrier thrust both for lift and forward propulsion.

The Harrier aircraft has full short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities which eliminates the need for conventional runways and is a major advantage at sea, where Harriers can operate from a wide variety of ships.

The latest and most powerful version of the Pegasus is the 11-61 variant which provides up to 15 per cent more thrust at high ambient temperatures, plus the benefits of reduced maintenance and twice the hot-end life of earlier versions. These changes enhance the combat effectiveness of the Harrier while cutting the cost of engine ownership.

This latest Pegasus has also enabled a highly effective radar equipped version of the Harrier II to be introduced. This aircraft, the Harrier II+, combines the proven advantages of day and night STOVL operations with an advanced radar system and beyond-visual-range missiles.